Looking back 100 years

We continue our look at snippets from the Market Rasen Mail 100 years ago.

This week, it is February 27 1915

Occasional Licences - Mr E Kemmery, of the Greyhound Hotel, Market Rasen, made application for three occasional licences to sell at farm stock sales as follows - at Mr E Burkitt’s, Manor House Farm, Faldingworth, on Thursday, 4th March, from 10.30am to 6pm (luncheon provided); Mr Thomas Banks’, Moor Farm, North Owersby, on Monday, 8th March, from 12 to 6pm; and at Mr F S Odling’s, Hall Farm, Buslingthorpe, Wednesday, 10th March, from 9.30am to 6.30pm (luncheon provided). In reply to the Bench, Supt Rawding stated that Mr Kemmery had always adhered to the strict letter of the law. The applications were granted. The presiding magistrates were B Hardy and C Conway Esqs.

Stock Market - A good number of sheep were forwarded for disposal at this market on Tuesday, and at Messrs Favill and Drakes’ auction rams sold at 68s, ewes 65s 6d, and store hoggs 47s 6d to 51s 6d. At Mr J H Nettleship’s auction ewes sold at 40s 6d to 71s, gimmers 46s, he hoggs 41s to 63s, and she hoggs 61s.

CLB Church Parade - On Sunday morning last the Market Rasen Company of the Church Lads’ Brigade, held their first Church parade. The Company, under the command of Captain Sands (who for many years has taken a keen and active interest in the CL Brigade), mustered at their headquarters in John Street, and marched via Chapel Street, Union Street, and Queen Street to the Parish Church. The Vicar (the Rev Granville W Borlase, MA),who is the Chaplain of the Company, marched with the lads to Church, and preceded his discourse with a few words of welcome. At the close of the service Captain Sands marched his Company back to headquarters by the same route that had been taken in the morning.

Circular Saw Accident - For some considerable time a sawmill has been at work in Nova Scotia wood, and it was on Saturday morning the scene of an unfortunate accident, as the result of which William Larder, a young man residing in Serpentine Street, has lost the four fingers on his left hand. The sawyer not turning up at the proper time, Larder took a turn at the saw with the result mentioned. Medical assistance was at once obtained, and the young man was subsequently taken to the Cottage Hospital.

A Soldier’s Sad Plight - Pte M Sullivan, of the 5th Manchester Regiment, stationed at Cleethorpes, presented a sorry spectacle in the dock at the Police Court on Monday morning, when he was charged with being an absentee. He had given himself up to the police at Tealby. He appealed to the magistrates to send him to hospital for a couple of days. Supt Rawding stated that the man was bordering an delirium tremens, and the doctor had stated that he was quite fit to travel to Cleethorpes. Dr H W Pank was called, and bore out this statement. Prisoner was remanded to await an escort. The president magistrates were B Hardy and C Conway Esqs.

Picture and Variety Show - There was again a good attendance at the Liberal Institute on Thursday night, when Hugh Dempsey’s Stars of the Night Variety Company gave one of their popular entertainments. The laughable farce given proved a veritable hit. The star picture was “Love’s old sweet song,” the other films being mainly of a military character. Needless to say the bill of fare proved most acceptable. The entertainments are given every Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and on Saturdays there is a matinee for children at three o’clock. Next week is to be shown a most interesting film, “The bombardment of Scarborough.”

Another Acknowledgement - Writing under date of 21st February, Driver R S Fieldsend, of the Royal Field Artillery, expresses thanks for the parcel of cigarettes and the lighter, the latter of which he found very useful. He would have answered before, but he had been unwell with influenza. He was getting much better, but found the weather very trying.

Obituary - The death occurred with alarming suddenness on Monday of Mrs Rushby, the wife of Mr Rushby, groom and gardener for Mrs Chapman of Clare Lodge. Mrs Rushby had been ailing for some time, suffering from bronchitis, but this had not prevented her going about her ordinary duties. On Monday morning, however, she was seized with apoplexy, and passed away within a very short time. The funeral took place on Thursday. Much sympathy is felt for Mr Rushby in his bereavement. On Thursday an old Rasen resident passed away in the person of Mrs Mary Beels, the widow of Mr John Beels, who had attained the venerable age of 90 years.

Football - The following team has been selected to represent the Recreation against the De Aston School Masters’ XI on the School ground today (Saturday), kick-off at 2.30pm: - Cooper; Flitters, Hannath; Scupham, Cash, Farnsworth; Aisthorpe, Brumpton, C Lill, S O Else, R F Cottingham.

Range open at 7 o’clock, or at any other time by arrangement with one of the Superintendents.

Funeral of the late Mr William Richardson - Amidst every manifestation of respect and esteem, the funeral took place on Sunday afternoon of the remains of the late Mr William Richardson, whose regretted death we recorded last week. A service was held at the Wesleyan Chapel, and was conducted by the Rev D A Hay, who also conducted the service at the graveside. There were a good number of mourners present both at the Chapel and cemetery. The choir was in attendance at the chapel, and sang the hymns, “Give me the wings of faith to rise,” and “Jesu lover of my soul,” Miss Glew presiding at the organ.

The coffin was of polished oak with brass mountings. The duties of undertaker were discharged by Mr G Towle, and the bearers were Messrs C S Sharpe, Wm Dannatt, W H Richards and J Lingard.

There were a number of floral tributes, including from Mrs Richardson and Mrs Topliss (widow and sister-in-law), Mr and Mrs W Richardson, Mr and Mrs Adams, William, Norman and Harry Boynton, and the members of the Liberal Club.

Claxby

Belgian Relief - As the result of a social recently held in the schoolroom the handsome sum of £7 7s was raised on behalf of the Belgian Relief Fund, and this amount has been forwarded to Mr B S Rowntree of York. The amount realised was a record for any local gathering of a like nature, and the promoters, the members of the Claxby District of the National Deposit Friendly Society, which covers the parishes of Claxby, Normanby and Usselby, are to be heartily congratulated upon the result. The arrangements for the concert were carried out by a committee consisting of Misses Bristow, Hannis, Littlejohn, and Messrs Barker, Barton and Hewson (secretary).

Grimsby Airman Missing

Flight Lieutenant E G Riggall, the son of Councillor F W Riggall, of Grimsby, is officially reported as missing. The news has been known to a number of people in Grimsby for over a week, Councillor Riggall having received the news on the 17th inst., but there is some little hope that news may yet come through that Flight Lieutenant Riggall is safe. Those who met Mr Riggall before the war broke out found out that his whole mind was set on flying, and at that time he was so proficient that he was familiar with every particle of an aeroplane. Naturally he was very anxious to work for his country when war broke out, and he was appointed Flight Sub-Lieutenant on August 18th. His promotion to Flight-Lieutenant came with the New Year promotions. In the meantime he had taken part in principal raids, including the two en masse over Belgium this month. After the last Zeebrugge raid on the 16th inst. it was reported four men were missing. Already one has proved to be safe in Holland, and Councillor Riggall, who has spent several days at Dover talking with airmen who took part in the raids, has heard that their is hope that his son is alive.

Letters From the Front

A Victim of German Treachery.

Corporal G Garner, of the King’s Royal Rifles, who is at present home at Market Rasen on sick leave, has received a very interesting letter from a chum, Rifleman Fred Jagger, of the Kings Royal Rifle Corps, one of the exchanged prisoners, and at present an inmate of a London hospital. The letter is dated 23rd February, and the writer states that he would have written before, but he had unfortunately slipped and fallen, his crutch being about an inch too long. It had bruised the stump of his right leg, and inflamed the wound. His right leg had been amputated to within two inches of the groin, this having been necessary on account of the terrible effect of a dum dum bullet smashing the thigh bone into small splinters, and the bullet having been dirty, blood poisoning had set in. Describing how he was taken prisoner, Rifleman Jagger says that on 2nd November, about three in the afternoon, a German officer came across to their front line of trenches with a white flag, and told the officer in charge that he wished to surrender with 2,000 men. At half-past three word was passed along the trenches that they had to cease fire. The Germans then commences to come across, but they were extended about five paces, and crouched with their arms (swords fixed) slung over their shoulders. They had adopted this white flag trick because previously the Rifleman had knocked them down like skittles every time they showed themselves at about 250 to 300yds. During the night the Riflemen had made splendid trenches and dug-outs whereby they could fire at the Germans without being seen. On the right, he continues, where he was they were a little doubtful, and asked who had sent the order down to cease firing, word being passed back that it was the officer on the left. By this time the Germans had nearly surrounded them, and had the drop on them with their rifles. Jagger states that he was very aggravated to think that the officer had “been done a flanker,” and 150 men taken prisoners. He also knew there was a machine gun under the earth near where he was and he felt it a disgrace to lose it, so he commenced planning, and when he got into the open he made an attempt to report to headquarters, and immediately he was shot with an explosive bullet. Headquarters, he adds, might have seen him from the second line of trenches, about 700 yards in the rear, because they commenced firing about twenty minutes after, and at dark did a charge, but were not able to take the first line of trench. Continuing, Rifleman Jagger says: “The Germans pulled me into their trench before our fellows could pick me up. I was too helpless to crawl away. As usual, they took all valuables and knick-knacks from me, and next day they left me in a battered down house, where I remained for five days with no bandaging or medical attendance, so my thigh was in a fine state, I can tell you. Eventually I got into a German hospital, and up to within the last three weeks I was half starved. Just like another siege of Ladysmith to me. We had mostly potatoes and brown bread, with bad coffee. I had lockjaw through neglect and dirt in the wound. I think I was the only one in the first line of trenches who was wounded or shot at, and that was because I lowered my hands and attempted to get back to headquarters with the news of the white flag trick.” The writer asks Cpl Garner if he knows of any others in the regiment who have lost limbs.

Lincolnshire Regiment

9th Battalion leaves for Derbyshire

Lincoln citizens on Tuesday had another opportunities of witnessing the patriotic scenes which have demonstrated the enthusiasm of the young soldiers of the country.

The main body of the 9th Battalion of the Lincoln Regiment, which has been in course of formation at Lincoln for some months, left the city, the destination being Derbyshire, whither an advance guard proceeded on Monday.

The men paraded in the depot in Burton Road, and preceded by the Lincoln City Band, marched by way of Yarborough-road, Corporation-street and High-street, to the Midland Station. The route was lined with spectators, and a crowd gathered at the entrance to the station.

The strength of the battalion is 54 officers and 585 men. Colonel F R Loth, CB, was in command, and prior to the departure of the train the band on the platform played the National Anthem. There was great enthusiasm as the train steamed out.

Tealby

A Proud Grandmother - Mrs W Smith of Tealby has every reason to be proud of the fact that six of her grandchildren are serving their King and country in these days of need, and all are on active service. Her son’s only two sons have “answered the call,” whilst of her daughter’s family the four sons eligible are doing their share, some on water and some on land, towards keeping the old flag flying.

Holton le Moor

Parish Meeting - The parish meeting was held in the Moot Hall on Friday, February 19th, to appoint parish constables. The following names were ordered to be submitted: - G W Saunby, C Welch, J Scott, C Woodhead, G Tye, G Stamp.

Market Rasen’s Roll of Honour

We are pleased to note that several Market Rasen men are proving their worth in the various regiments to which they have become attached, and are in consequence being promoted. The latest promotion id that of J T Tindall, of the Army Service Corps, who has been promoted to Staff-Sergeant. Pte J Faulkner, of the 1st Lincolns, from whom no word has been heard for several months, was only last week officially reported missing. The date of the return from the Base is January 3rd. General sympathy is felt for Mrs Faulkner in what must be an awful suspense. The latest recruits from this neighbourhood are Fred Smith of North Willingham, who has joined the Lincolns; Horace Goy of Tealby, who has joined the Royal Engineers, and Harry Wilkinson of Market Rasen, who has gone into the motor-cycle section of the Royal Engineers.

We extend our heartiest congratulations to Mr Bernard Peatfield, son of Mr and Mrs J Peatfield of Waterloo Street, upon his promotion to a second lieutenancy in the 15th County of London Regiment (Civil Service Battalion).

Appended we give a list of Market Rasen men who are serving their country in various capacities: -

Lieut Bernard Peatfield, 15th County of London Regt (Civil Service Battalion)

Arthur Proctor, Lincolnshire Regiment

Louis Proctor, Royal Marines

Sergt J W Parrish, Lincolnshire Regiment

G Payne, RAMC

W H Russell, 5th Northumberland Fusiliers

Herbert Ransome, Lincolnshire Imperial Yeomanry

Harold Rawlinson, Lincolnshire Territorials

Engineer Lieut P Reeve, Royal Navy (HMS Linnet)

Raymond Rawlinson, 7th Worcesters

L Rawlinson, Lincolnshire Yeomanry

Chas Rickell, York and Lancaster Regiment

Thomas Rickell, York and Lancaster Regiment

J Richardson, 1st Life Guards

Ernest Sims, Kitchener’s Army

Joseph Skayman, Lincolnshire Chums Battalion

Wm Skayman, Lincolnshire Regiment

George E Smith, Army Service Corps

G W Smith, Royal Artillery

C Spencer, Army Service Corps

B Spencer, RFA

Thomas Sylvester, Naval Reserve

E Shepherd, Royal Horse Artllery

F Shepherd, Lincolnshire Regiment

Ralph Starbuck, Royal Field Artillery

Wm Searby, RAMC

- Sylvester, Lincolnshire Regiment

P Storr, Lincolnshire Territorials#

Arthur Smith, Army Service Corps

T Smith, Ermelo (Transvaal) Town Guard

Ivo Smith, Imperial Light Horse, SA

Guy S Smith, Sherwood Rangers

J E Tillett, Lincolnshire Regiment

Staff Sergt J T Tindall, Army Service Corps

L-Cpl N Topliss, Prince Albert’s Own Leicestershire Yeomanry

Sergt P E Topliss, Prince Albert’s Own Leicestershire Yeomanry

J P Teasdale, South Notts Hussars

Regt Qr Sergt J W Upex, Lincolnshire Territorials

Geo Whelpton, 1st Lincolns

Herbert Whelpton, Lincolnshire Regiment

Harry Wilkinson, Royal Engineers (Despatch Rider)

Fred Wilson, Lincolnshire Territorial Field Artillery

George Whitworth, Coldstream Guards

John Whitworth, Royal Navy (HMS Essex)

Joseph West, Royal Navy (HMS Hyacinth)

John West, Royal Navy (HMS Princess Royal)

Percy West, Chums Battalion

Scout Sidney West, Patrol duty

A Webb, Lincolnshire Regiment

J W Wright, Railway Service, France

Lieut H Whittingham, Royal Garrison Artillery

R Whittingham, Cameron Highlanders (Winnipeg)

Prisoner of War

Albert Dixon, Royal Horse Guards

Missing

John Faulkner, Lincolnshire Regiment

Killed in Action

Henry West, Coldstream Guards

Sergt Fred Mundey, 1st Lincolns

Gunner Ernest Wm Brumpton, HMS Aboukir

We do not claim that the above is a full list. If any of our readers know others from Market Rasen who are serving their King and Country we shall be pleased to receive their names, together with the name of the regiment or ship to which they belong.